METHODS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INCREASED ANISOTROPIC COKE

There is provided a process for the production of anisotropic coke, the process comprising providing a purified coal product (PCP), wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (%v) of the particles are no greater than about 100 µm in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10%m and a water content of less than around 5%m. The PCP is combined with a feedstock oil, such as a decant oil, in order to create a combined solid-liquid blend, wherein the solid-liquid blend comprises at least around 0.1 %m and at most around 50%m PCP. The solid-liquid blend is subjected to a temperature in excess of 400 °C, typically as part of a delayed coker process, for a time period sufficient to induce formation of mesophase, and production of anisotropic coke. Improved yields of valuable needle coke can be obtained via the processes described.